Legit.ng gathers that Agim disclosed that the ongoing exercise will mop up illegal arms and weapons across the country.

He added that it “would not end until all illegally acquired weapons had been recovered from criminal elements nationwide.”

He said: “The security council met last week, but before then, Operation 777 was established, which shows that we are thinking ahead of whatever security situation we have in our hands. We have said that the intention of the operation is to get unauthorised arms from the people.

“So, whoever is having those weapons – whether they are criminals or they are armed by politicians – we don’t want to know. Those arrested will face the full weight of the law.

“The chief of defence staff, Gen Abayomi Olonisakin, established the operation and it is geared towards enhancing a stable environment for socioeconomic activities and the safety of Nigerians.

“It is focused on identifying and destroying bandits and other persons bearing arms against the Nigerian state. It is also to eliminate armed gangs, as well as conduct search operations to retrieve illegal arms and ammunition.

“We will actively engage and sensitise the locals to cooperate with the military. In the last two weeks, a large number of arms, ammunition and other dangerous weapons were recovered.”